Fansided

College Basketball: Top 25 players of the 21st century

By Daniel

Mar 31, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) drives against the Florida Gators in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) drives against the Florida Gators in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) celebrates defeating Xavier Musketeers in the semifinals of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton Bluejays defeat Xavier Musketeers 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) celebrates defeating Xavier Musketeers in the semifinals of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton Bluejays defeat Xavier Musketeers 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

5. Emeka Okafor – C, Connecticut

Okafor was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball history. He amassed 441 blocks in just three years with UConn. He averaged a double-double in his sophomore and junior seasons. He was a two-time Big East Player of the Year and a two-time NABC Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior he was named consensus First Team All-American, the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and won a championship. His talent was felt on both ends of the floor.

Best Season: 2003-04 (17.6 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.1 BPG, 1.0 APG)

4. Doug McDermott – F, Creighton

The best scorer in NCAA history is none other than Creighton’s McDermott. For four years he dazzled spectators and is now the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer (3150 points). He was a three-time consensus First Team All-American and last year was the Big East Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year. His talent was unquestioned and he could have competed, and dominated, anywhere in the country.

Best Season: 2013-14 (26.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.2 SPG)

3. Carmelo Anthony – F, Syracuse

He spent only one year in college, but it was one of the most memorable seasons in college basketball history. He transcended the game in 2003 and almost single-handedly led the Orange to a national title. It was his play in the NCAA Tournament that gained him such a legendary status. He was a consensus Second-Team All-American and named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. His No. 15 jersey is forever retired in Syracuse.

Best Season: 2002-03 (22.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.6 SPG)

2. J.J. Redick – G, Duke

He was one of the most disliked players of his era because of his utter dominance. Redick had an amazing career at Duke, but as a senior took his game to a level rarely seen. In his career he was named consensus First Team All-American twice, ACC Player of the Year twice, and the Naismith College Player of the Year as a senior. He’s the ACC’s all-time leader in three-point field goals. His No. 4 jersey is forever retired by Duke.

Best Season: 2005-06 (26.8 PPG, 2.6 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.4 SPG)

1. Tyler Hansbrough – F, North Carolina

“Psycho T” was an absolute beast in college. Over his four year career he was consensus First-Team All-American three times, All-ACC four times, and a national champion. He’s the Tar Heels’ all-time leading scorer and he played the game with an intensity rarely seen in sports. Not to mention, he’s scored more points than any player in ACC history, one of the most prestigious conferences in all of college basketball. Many players have been great in the twenty-first century. Hansbrough was great for four years and was one of the most entertaining, hated, and loved college basketball players of all-time.

Best Season: 2007-08 (22.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 APG)

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